5-Day Yosemite National Park Adventure Itinerary from Northridge, CA

Day 1: Travel to Yosemite

Northridge, CA on March 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Table

Start your journey with a delightful breakfast at The Coffee Table, known for its artisan coffee and delicious avocado toast.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Embark on your scenic drive to Yosemite, which takes approximately 5 hours (with minimal stops). Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
USD0, 5 hours

2:30PM

Check-in at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Check in to Yosemite Valley Lodge for a stunning location right by the falls. Get settled and enjoy the beautiful views.
USD250, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Yosemite Falls

Explore the iconic Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, and take some breathtaking photos.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Mountain Room

Enjoy a lovely dinner at The Mountain Room, where you can savor seasonal dishes while overlooking the majestic falls.
USD45, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Explore Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley, CA on March 31, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Degnan's Kitchen

Start your day at Degnan's Kitchen for a hearty breakfast with options ranging from breakfast burritos to granola bowls.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Fall

Begin your hike on the Mist Trail, leading to the stunning Vernal Fall. The hike offers spectacular views and brings you close to the rushing water.
USD0, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Food Court

Grab a quick lunch at the Yosemite Valley Food Court, where you can choose from burgers, deli sandwiches, and pizza.
USD12, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Yosemite Museum

Visit the Yosemite Museum to learn about the history and culture of the park, featuring Native American exhibits and art.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit El Capitan Meadow

Take a short walk to El Capitan Meadow to admire the majestic granite walls and watch climbers tackle the face of El Capitan.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Dine at The Ahwahnee Dining Room for a luxurious meal with a menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients.
USD75, 2 hours

Day 3: Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove

Yosemite National Park, CA on April 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Enjoy a convenient breakfast at your lodge before heading out for the day. Consider trying the local pastries.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Glacier Point

Take a scenic drive to Glacier Point, offering unparalleled views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Glacier Point

Spend time at Glacier Point, soaking in the breathtaking panoramas and getting some fantastic photos.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Head to Mariposa Grove

Drive to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to see some of the oldest trees on the planet, including the Grizzly Giant.
USD0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza

Take a break for lunch at the Welcome Plaza where you can find snacks and light meals available. Try the delicious sequoia trees-themed souvenir food!
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike Mariposa Grove

Enjoy a leisurely hike through Mariposa Grove to admire the giant sequoias and the beautiful surroundings.
USD0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to lodge

Make your way back to the lodge to relax and freshen up after a day of exploration.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Base Camp Eatery

End the day with a casual dinner at Base Camp Eatery, where you can enjoy a delicious variety of comfort food after a long day.
USD30, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Discover Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows, CA on April 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Fuel up at the lodge before heading out with hearty breakfast options that will keep you energized for the day.
USD20, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Tuolumne Meadows

Set off to Tuolumne Meadows, a high-altitude subalpine meadow within the park. The drive offers stunning views.
USD0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Tuolumne Meadows

Wander through Tuolumne Meadows, taking in the vast landscapes, gentle streams, and grazing wildlife.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Short Hike to Soda Springs

Take a short hike to Soda Springs and Parson's Lodge, a scenic route that showcases the local flora.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Tuolumne Meadows Grill

Enjoy lunch at Tuolumne Meadows Grill, where you can sample burgers and grill specialties while enjoying meadow views.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Tuolumne Meadows Store

Visit the Tuolumne Meadows Store for souvenirs, snacks, and information about nearby trails and attractions.
USD0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Scenic Drive around Tioga Pass

Take a scenic drive around Tioga Pass, especially beautiful in spring with the wildflowers and striking landscapes.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to lodge

Head back to the lodge to relax and unwind after a full day in the meadows.
USD0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Wawona's Lodge

Dine at Wawona's Lodge, enjoying rustic comfort food while reflecting on the day's adventures.
USD40, 2 hours

Day 5: Return to Northridge

Yosemite National Park to Northridge, CA on April 3, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tenaya Lodge

Savor a final breakfast at Tenaya Lodge, indulging in a buffet with an array of choices to energize your journey home.
USD25, 1 hour

8:00AM

Check-out and Drive home

Check out of the lodge and begin your drive back to Northridge, retracing your scenic route.
USD0, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger (Bakersfield)

Stop for a classic California experience at In-N-Out Burger, known for their delicious burgers and fries.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Continue Drive Home

Complete your journey home with beautiful California scenery along the way.
USD0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Arrive in Northridge

Arrive back home in Northridge, filled with unforgettable memories from your Yosemite adventure.
USD0, 0 hours